In the past two months Co. "A" has participated in more than twelve Eagle courts, five parades (mostly as color guards), the Sunrise Service at the Tabernacle, the dedication of "This is the Place State Park and Monument" and the trip to Council Bluffs. Whew! Isn't it great to be so popular? Our meetings have been outstanding and well-attended (about forty) with truly great speakers. We have sold 33 copies of Tyler's book and 18 copies of Women of the Battalion. I take this opportunity to thank all of you for what you do for the Battalion. You don't know how much good you are doing for the memory of those who made the march and some who gave their lives. Remember, we are here to honor their memory by telling the world what they accomplished. Also, thanks to Marsha Smith for her article in the Deseret News, calling attention to our not being in the Days of '47 Parade. Keep up the great work!
Under the direction of Col. Madsen and his "Committee," a bus load of Co. "B" members, their wives and guests, attended the re-enactment of the mustering in of the 1846 Battalion-an event not only a thrilling, "once in a lifetime" experience, but a faith-promoting, testimony-bolstering one as well. In addition to being the honored color guard for the re-enactment, our company manned a very popular booth, where our books sold quickly, applications for membership were snapped up, and many impromptu conversations about the activities of the present Mormon Battalion occurred. Bonuses for those going on the bus was the personal guided tour (by Gail Holmes of Council Bluffs) to various historical sites in Kanesville, followed by an emotional experience at Winter Quarters, and (in subsequent days) historical journeys to Ft. Leavenworth, the Liberty Jail, Nauvoo, Far West, Adam-ondi-Ahman, the Carthage Jail, and traversing the Mormon Pioneer Trail through Nebraska and Wyoming to the Salt Lake Valley. Also, the Sunday testimony meeting on the bus, under the direction of Battalion Chaplain, Maj. Glen Ebert, was a humbling, emotional highlight. Visiting these historic spots and standing in holy places brought those pioneers closer to our hearts and clearer in our minds, as also did our following their "trail of bitter tears" to Utah Territory. This was a heart-softening, memorable journey into our past--one fully experienced and never to be forgotten.
Besides the 24th of July Parade and outings, "Kane" company took a small contingent to the re-enactment of the enlistment of the 1846 Mormon Battalion at Council Bluffs. Accompanying Lt. Col. Howard Roberts were Joseph Brimhall and Nathan Roberts. It was a thrilling experience to participate with the other companies and the National staff in this historic moment. We appreciate this relationship with you and hope that some of you can attend our July 24th parade next year. We have a really great time and a BBQ besides!